Can You Fly For 10 Hours 4 Days After Surgery?

[bakawaka 59]

My surgeon states that I am allowed to fly 10 days after surgery. Do you think it would be okay to fly on a 10-hour business trip 4 days after surgery?

[iggychic 1,405]

No, not only do you risk DVT but you won't have the energy. You will also be putting yourself far away from your medical care and most issues arrise in the first 7 days (leaks). I think you should change your surgery date if you can't change the trip.

[Getting There 198]

Do you think you'll really be up for a 10 hour flight and related business obligations only 4 days after surgery? I wouldn't have been....... If you do fly, I'd make sure to get traveler's compression socks, walk a bit up and down the aisles at least every hour. Honestly, if it were me, there is no business worth risking blood clots for and that is your greatest risk sitting in a plane for 10 hours. Not to mention you are still VERY early in your recovery from a MAJOR surgery. Me? Wouldn't do it - but wish you the best if you do

[AliveAgain 283]

I would agree with the other posters. I know long flights like that, and they are hard on the body period. My worry would definitely be the care you might need if there were complications, on the plane on where you land. Would you have language barriers, trying to explain your surgery?

Also, it's common for some to have low electrolytes, dehydration, and overall weakness and fatigue in the first two weeks. Will you really be functional for your job on the other end of the flight?

[ShrinkingBellyKelly 47]

I had a picture perfect recovery with no complications, minimal discomfort and was back at work in less than a week. And I wouldn't have dreamed of flying 10 hours 4 days post-op. You're asking for a blood clot...

[Pookeyism 1,143]

It would make my arms too tired...

Seriously on a business trip noooo....and hell nooooo....

First off, if you can't make it that looks poorly on you, the expense would be excessive, and stress and flying after just don't add up...also - if you have a complication and then are stuck away from home that would not be good at all.

Alot of people do fine, alot of people would be fine...I am the stick in the mud that is going to say "and if it don't"...

[bakawaka 59]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts! You have convinced me NOT to travel 4 days post-op. I will tell my office "sorry."

[slojo 150]

You need to get up and walk around (not an easy task on a plane) to prevent blood clots. Move around in your seat often....

[Wheatie65 2]

I flew for 5 hours, 4 days after surgery and I truly felt fine...I've had an amazing recovery though. it really just depends on how you are feeling after they remove the drains...I think..

[samomom 19]

Absolutely not!!! I would have died....

[nursemom0430 4]

NO WAY! I flew 4 1/2 hours home 3 days after surgery and I was SOOOOO miserable. The plane was full, people looked at me like I was an idiot when I got up and walked the isle every 30-45 min. I was in so much pain when the plane finally landed (Back Pain) from sitting. I was so sleepy from taking my pain medicine.. It was awful!! I couldn't imagine flying 10 hours.

[amw157 42]

It would make my arms too tired...

You make-a me smile!

[bakawaka 59]

So do you think that 8 days post-op a two-hour flight would be possible?

[muffintop 62]

Four days later I flew from Tijuana to Florida, about 10 hrs. It sucked but doable.